I lived in astoria for a while, 1000/month will get you a decent room, I paid $750 and was 1/2 block from astoria blvd n/q. fuck manhattan prices. Bk is where you want to be, they upped service on the L and the a/c rarely has problems that prohibit me from going anywhere i need to on time. if you're young and its just you, keep your shit light, don't keep a bunch of useless shit you don't need because chances are you're going to move around a bit before you're satisfied, it's the nature of the beast. ask questions and try to cut bullshit if you're renting in an established apartment. people will lie and tell you anything when they need to pay rent the following month